Creamy Garlic Chicken (One-Pan Comfort!)

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort dish tender chicken seared to perfection and coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce that tastes restaurant–level but requires almost no effort. It’s the perfect creamy garlic chicken dinner for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent but easy. With simple ingredients and a foolproof process, you’ll master exactly how to make creamy garlic chicken in one pan. Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a cozy meal everyone will crave.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced or pounded thin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced (more for stronger flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For Serving

• Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for seasonings

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Season the chicken
   • Pat chicken dry.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
2. Sear the chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
   • Remove and set aside.
3. Make the garlic base
   • Reduce heat to medium.
   • Add butter to the skillet.
   • Once melted, add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn).
4. Create the creamy sauce
   • Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth.
   • Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
   • Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
5. Combine
   • Return chicken to the skillet.
   • Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Finish + serve
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
   • Serve warm over pasta, potatoes, or rice.

Pro Tips

1. Extra garlic flavor?
   Add a spoonful of roasted garlic for deeper sweetness.
2. Thicker sauce:
   Let it simmer longer or add extra Parmesan.
3. Lower-calorie version:
   Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk (still very creamy!).
4. Make ahead:
   Sauce can be made 1 day ahead — just reheat slowly.

Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Conclusion

This creamy garlic chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — fast, comforting, and unbelievably flavorful. With simple steps and easy ingredients, you’ll master how to make creamy garlic chicken in no time. Whether served with pasta, rice, or veggies, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.

FAQs